In his titah, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) said preparedness in the face of threats require the armed forces to be efficient and capable.

“This need is more pronounced with frequent external disturbances that often shake security. All these incidents undeniably have the potential to expose us to threats that are both conventional and non-conventional,” explained His Majesty at the 54th anniversary celebration of the RBAF.

Under such scenario, the monarch pointed out that the armed forces must be forward-looking and in a state of preparedness at all times for the future of national defence and security.

His Majesty added preparedness includes addressing and confronting any unexpected incidents that may occur inside or outside the country. However, the king noted the sultanate is peaceful and prosperous owing to the people, government agencies as well as the effective role of the RBAF.

The monarch also acknowledged the building of defence cooperation through humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping missions abroad.

Commenting on the need to be wise in planning for a robust and competent force-structure, the Sultan said the initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in conducting a defence review is timely and able to produce a positive effect.

“It is undeniable that the continued survival of the RBAF is supported by its military personnel in sufficient number and quality,” said His Majesty.

To appeal to the interest of the nation’s qualified and tech-savvy youth, the monarch believed the armed forces must have a proactive recruitment strategy. His Majesty also urged for discipline and integrity to be emphasised as a crucial element in manpower management.

“All members of the military should heighten their respect and love for the military institution and portray the image and good name of the RBAF,” said His Majesty.

The monarch reiterated that disciplinary action against any military personnel should be strictly adhered to regardless of its severity “otherwise the wrongdoer will become a thorn in the flesh to the military institution”.

“All levels of leadership are responsible for empowering the heart and soul of every personnel based on RBAF’s core values of piety, loyalty, bravery and professionalism,” said the monarch.

His Majesty congratulated the armed forces on their anniversary as well as prayed for their protection and guidance from Allah SWT. The celebration took place at Penanjong Garrison in Tutong.

DESPITE first making its appearance in the Sultanate during the 1940s, Kuih Mor continues to be a household favourite today as a tea time snack or festive treat particularly during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Siti Norhafizah Hj Bagol, a final year student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam who researched on Kuih Mor as part of her Brunei Traditional Industry module, said the three-ingredient sweet treat may have existed in Brunei as early as the 1940s when padi was known to have been grown to make different food items.

Over time, the cookie has also become a popular door-gift choice often handed out at Malay weddings or gatherings, said Siti Norhafizah.

Made with flour, oil and granulated sugar which have been ground into a powder, the bite-sized biscuits have a crumbly texture and are coated with powdered sugar.

The age-old technique of making Kuih Mor by hand has however changed over the course of time, with many now opt…

BY COMMAND of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office hereby announces that His Majesty has consented to the transfer and appointment of the following senior officers – Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau and Solicitor General has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Datin Elinda binti Haji CA Mohamed, Special Senior Duties Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.